Ann knew the shift would be painful, but she made it slow-deliberate-so her friends could witness the moment. What she didn't expect was the way Jamie looked at her: awestruck, mesmerized... unaware of the truth that would soon unravel. Jamie always felt like an outsider, but when a monstrous brown wolf attacks, and another-larger, darker, exuding pure dominance-saves him, something stirs deep within. The black wolf's piercing gaze locks onto his, and for a fleeting moment, Jamie feels something strange. Familiar. Unspoken. Andrew is a prince among wolves, an Alpha in waiting. He must protect the pack, to enforce the laws. But when an unknown wolf crosses their borders, Andrew keeps a dangerous secret-one that could change everything. Because fate has already chosen. Because his instincts are screaming at him. Because Jamie is his. And Jamie has no idea. A thrilling tale of love, duty, and fate-where the heart wars with destiny, and the wild calls to its own.
Chapter 1 The Ceremony
Jamie's POV
"C'mon, Jamie! Hurry up!" Caroline's voice rang out as she walked ahead, her golden hair bouncing under the evening lights.
"Can you slow down, Car?" Jamie huffed, using her pet name as he tried to catch up. "At this rate, we're going to miss the entire ceremony."
Caroline sighed dramatically. "Get your butt up here, Jamie Finn!"
Rolling his eyes, Jamie quickened his pace until he reached her side, just in time to catch a breathtaking view of the Jackson mansion. It stood tall and imposing, its elegant structure dominating the landscape like its owner, Alpha Jackson Fray, the leader of the Furstone Pack. Tonight, he was hosting a grand ceremony to celebrate his first daughter, Laurette, finding her mate.
In Furstone tradition, turning eighteen meant more than just adulthood-it meant finally bonding with your wolf and, if the Moon Goddess willed it, meeting your fated mate. A mated pair was highly revered, a symbol of strength and power in the pack. This wasn't just a celebration; it was an event of great importance.
As they neared the entrance, Caroline reached for Jamie's hand, squeezing it lightly as they giggled, stepping onto the beautifully landscaped courtyard leading to the mansion. Lush gardens lined the pathway, fairy lights twinkling between the trees. The sound of laughter, soft music, and clinking glasses drifted from within.
Jamie's senses, already heightened at seventeen, picked up the familiar scent of vanilla and wild roses-Anne White.
"Didn't think Anne would get here so fast," Jamie mused.
Caroline smirked. "Sensitive nose, eh?"
Inside the grand hall, the air buzzed with excitement. Guests were dressed in stunning outfits, chatting in clusters. A cheerful voice broke through the noise.
"Hey! Over here!"
Anne White stood nearby, waving at them with a bright smile. She was petite, light-skinned, and effortlessly stunning in a sleek black gown adorned with shimmering silver dots. Her dark curls framed her face perfectly, and delicate jewelry completed the look.
"Doesn't she look gorgeous, Car?" Jamie whispered, admiring their friend's outfit.
"Absolutely," Caroline agreed.
"You both look amazing, too," Anne replied with a playful bow before turning her sharp eyes on Caroline, who was scanning the room. A knowing smirk tugged at Anne's lips as she nudged her in a particular direction.
"He's right there," she whispered.
Jamie followed her gaze toward the far end of the room. Standing near the grand staircase was a tall, striking young man in his early twenties. Andrew Jackson.
Jamie had heard the name before-Caroline spoke of him constantly, gushing over how perfect he was. He was the only son and heir of the Jackson family, trained at the Wolf Academy to develop his leadership skills. But until now, Jamie had never seen him in person.
He was breathtaking.
Andrew's wavy dark hair fell just right, effortlessly framing his sharp jawline. His glassy golden eyes were intense yet unreadable. His broad shoulders and perfectly sculpted frame only added to the air of power he exuded.
For a moment, Jamie forgot to breathe.
Then Andrew looked at him.
Their eyes locked, and a strange, electric pull coursed through Jamie's body. His heart pounded erratically, an unexplainable heat spreading through his chest.
Andrew, on the other hand, looked completely shocked-his lips slightly parted, confusion flickering in his gaze.
Jamie quickly looked away, his breath uneven.
What the hell was that?
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